Black Friday and Cyber Monday are long gone, but Amazon still has a good selection of great deals available. If you or someone on your “nice” list is looking for a new fitness tracker, you might want to take a look at the Samsung Gear Fit 2. The online retailer has cut the price [...]]]>

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are long gone, but Amazon still has a good selection of great deals available. If you or someone on your “nice” list is looking for a new fitness tracker, you might want to take a look at the Samsung Gear Fit 2. The online retailer has cut the price of the Samsung Gear Fit 2 from $179.99 to $149.00. If you opt for the blue model, you can save an additional $1.72.

If you’re not familiar with the Gear Fit 2, the activity tracker will count your steps and automatically detect different types of activities and track them automatically. It also incorporates GPS and a heart rate sensor. If you pair it with your smartphone, the Samsung Gear Fit 2 will also display basic notifications from your phone. The device will last 3 days on a single charge if connected to your phone at all times, but that can be extended to 5 days if you only pair it from time to time.

]]>http://androidandme.com/2016/12/devices/save-33-on-the-samsung-gear-fit-2/feed/0Samsung may disable Galaxy Note 7 units in the US by preventing them from charginghttp://androidandme.com/2016/12/news/samsung-disable-galaxy-note-7-us-prevent-from-charging/
http://androidandme.com/2016/12/news/samsung-disable-galaxy-note-7-us-prevent-from-charging/#commentsFri, 09 Dec 2016 04:08:56 +0000http://androidandme.com/?p=92258

Samsung is reportedly planning to disable the remaining Galaxy Note 7 units in the US that haven’t been returned. A US Cellular customer with a Note 7 allegedly got a text message today from US Cellular that reads, “As of December 15, Samsung will modify the software to prevent the Galaxy Note 7 from charging. The phone will no longer work.”

Samsung declined to comment to The Verge about the text, and US Cellular did not respond.

We’ll just have to wait to see if Samsung ends up disabling the Note 7s that are still in the wild in the US, but it’s certainly a possibility. We already know that Note 7s in New Zealand have been barred from mobile networks, and Samsung is planning to do the same in Australia and Canada.

Blocking the Galaxy Note 7 from charging in the US would basically leave owners with two choices: either return the phone or keep your super expensive paperweight. If Samsung is indeed planning to go this route, we should get some sort of official announcement soon.

At the beginning of December, Google opened pre-orders for the Crimson and Snow Daydream View virtual reality headsets. Now those devices are officially launching alongside new apps to experience on them.

In the United States, the headsets are available from the Google Store right now and Verizon Wireless, and they are coming soon to [...]]]>

At the beginning of December, Google opened pre-orders for the Crimson and Snow Daydream View virtual reality headsets. Now those devices are officially launching alongside new apps to experience on them.

In the United States, the headsets are available from the Google Store right now and Verizon Wireless, and they are coming soon to Best Buy. It’s worth noting that in the Google Store, the Snow Daydream View headset ships beginning December 12.

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the headsets are available in the Google Store, and they will be coming soon to EE and Carphone Warehouse. In Australia, the Crimson and Snow headsets are available from the Google Store right now, and Google doesn’t have it listed that they are coming soon to any other outlet.

The company also confirmed that there is new content available to those who pick up a Daydream View VR headset, from games and apps. Here are the new additions:

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has officially announced the approval of Bluetooth 5. With it, the group says the wireless technology will offer not only faster speeds, but also longer range and more reliable connections between devices. It will also include better interoperability between devices working with other wireless technologies as well.

Compared to the current Bluetooth 4.2 protocol, Bluetooth 5 offers four times longer range and two times faster speeds. The Bluetooth SIG says this means that whole-home and building coverage is a reliable expectation moving forward.

With the Bluetooth 5 protocol being approved, it means that upcoming devices can implement the technology if possible. It also means that the Bluetooth SIG will drop version numbers and the point numbers as it aims to streamline branding.

A recent report indicated that Samsung plans to drop the 3.5mm headphone jack as well as the physical home button from its upcoming Galaxy S8 flagship device, hinting that Samsung will change things up in a big way for its upcoming smartphone.

Now Bloomberg reports, citing people “with direct knowledge” on the [...]]]>

A recent report indicated that Samsung plans to drop the 3.5mm headphone jack as well as the physical home button from its upcoming Galaxy S8 flagship device, hinting that Samsung will change things up in a big way for its upcoming smartphone.

Now Bloomberg reports, citing people “with direct knowledge” on the matter, that Samsung plans on creating a Galaxy S8 with an “all-screen design.” According to those sources, the physical home button will indeed be removed, and there will be a virtual home button found at the “lower section” of the display. The phone will also feature an OLED “wraparound display.”

Finally, the report says Samsung is aiming for a release date in March, but that with all of the plans and design tweaks, that launch could be pushed back to April. Part of the delay is said to be tougher testing procedures, thanks to the issues wit the exploding Galaxy Note 7.

In November, word on the street surfaced that suggested Samsung was planning on launching a “glossy black” Galaxy S7 edge in an effort to bring some attention back to the flagship.

Now that device is officially official. Known as the Black Pearl Galaxy S7 edge, Samsung says that it will launch the device in [...]]]>

In November, word on the street surfaced that suggested Samsung was planning on launching a “glossy black” Galaxy S7 edge in an effort to bring some attention back to the flagship.

Now that device is officially official. Known as the Black Pearl Galaxy S7 edge, Samsung says that it will launch the device in “select markets” on December 9, without actually announcing which markets those are.

The Black Pearl Galaxy S7 edge is similar to the Black Onyx variant that launched earlier this year, but with one key difference: the Black Pearl model is blacked-out, including the metal edge lining the handset. Samsung says this gives it a “modern and striking” look.

The other key difference with this newest color variant is the fact it includes 128GB of built-in storage. Up to this point, the Galaxy S7 edge was only offered with 32GB or 64GB of built-in storage, so Samsung has delivered for anyone who has been wanting extra space.

What do you think of the newest Galaxy S7 edge? Will you be picking one up if it launches in your neck of the woods?

Welcome back to Android Gaming Weekly, our weekly recap of new game releases. We still plan to cover upcoming releases and games we’re playing, but this column is dedicated to new games that you can start playing right now. Check out our top picks and let us know in the comments section if you have any [...]]]>

Welcome back to Android Gaming Weekly, our weekly recap of new game releases. We still plan to cover upcoming releases and games we’re playing, but this column is dedicated to new games that you can start playing right now. Check out our top picks and let us know in the comments section if you have any suggestions for next week’s post.

Solar Siege

Description: You’re the Commander of a Deep Space Mining Station. Construct defenses to protect your miners and harvest the riches of the cosmos. Managing your power network is crucial to sustain operations and defend with maximum effectiveness against an alien foe who want a piece of the galactic pie.

Kathy Rain

Description: Kathy Rain tells the story of a strong-willed journalism major who has to come to terms with her own troubled past as she investigates the mysterious death of her recently deceased grandfather. Armed with her motorcycle, a pack of cigs, and a notepad, Kathy begins to delve into a local mystery surrounding her hometown that will take her on a harrowing journey full of emotional and personal turmoil.

Little Briar Rose

Description: An ancient legend, a cursed castle surrounded by brambles, a forest inhabited by funny enchanted creatures and a sweet princess sleeping in it. And, obviously, a fearless prince! This is what Little Briar Rose is made out of. In this particular stained glass-styled graphic adventure the player will help a whole dynasty of princes complete their quest.

FINAL TAPTASY

Description: Another day, another “save the princess” mission. Please let this be the last time! Go forth again warriors, in the adventure of FINAL TAPTASY! Believe in the power of the masses! No matter how powerful the boss may be, none can withstand the attacks of many. Tap until fingerprints fade in this all-out tapping game.

Human Resource Machine

Description:Human Resource Machine is a puzzle game for nerds. In each level, your boss gives you a job. Automate it by programming your little office worker. If you succeed, you’ll be promoted up to the next level for another year of work in the vast office building. Congratulations!

F1 2016

Description: F1 2016 is a stunning mobile racing game that puts players into the race seat of their FORMULA ONE™ heroes in a full season, single race and time trial on any of the 21 official circuits from the 2016 season.

Warlord Strike

Description:You are the Warlord! Play the premier multiplayer combat experience that reinvents MOBA gaming. Using your own team of hand-picked Heroes, defeat your opponent using strategies you devise to collect Orbs and transform your team into an unbeatable force! Every game is vastly different due to the unique abilities of each Hero.

Spaceship Battles

Description: It’s the year 4000-something. You are a rookie spaceship designer wanting to prove yourself to the world. Enter Spaceship Arena, an entertainment arena of the future, where only the best of the best rule! Competitive Multiplayer Game featuring layers of deep strategy and endlessly evolving game content!

Radiation Island

Description: Radiation Island is a survival adventure game where you craft your own destiny in a huge open world environment. As part of the Philadelphia Experiment you have become stranded in a parallel, alternate reality. Discover this new and mysterious world, with all its surprises. Use everything you find to survive it and solve its puzzle to get back to the real world.

New apps need lovin’ too, right? Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. We’ve shown in the past that this community can discover great apps and propel them to new heights. Our weekly Fresh Meat column highlights new apps with [...]]]>

New apps need lovin’ too, right? Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. We’ve shown in the past that this community can discover great apps and propel them to new heights. Our weekly Fresh Meat column highlights new apps with fewer than 100,000 installs. Browse our new Android app picks below and let us know which ones you enjoy.

PayPal Business

Description:The PayPal Business mobile app helps you stay on top of your PayPal business account while you’re on the go. With it, you can: Send invoices and get paid, Manage sales and account activity, Transfer money

Trusted Contacts

Description: Trusted Contacts is a personal safety app that opens a direct line of sharing between you and your loved ones. Add your closest friends and family as trusted contacts. Allow trusted contacts to request your location. If everything’s fine, you can deny the request, but if you’re unable to respond your location is shared automatically (works even if you’re offline or your phone is out of battery)

Madden Companion App

Description: Take your team all the way, wherever you are, with the EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 17 Companion app. Access your Madden NFL 17 franchise quickly, and stay connected to the action. Get the latest news and updates from the Madden team – even find tips and tricks straight from the pros and developers themselves.

Quartz

Description: Quartz’s new app puts the entire global economy in your pocket. It’s an ongoing conversation about the news, sort of like texting. We’ll send you messages, photos, GIFs, and links, and you can decide when you’re interested in reading more.

Octane Watch Face

DIRECTV NOW

Description: DIRECTV NOW is your NEW standalone streaming service for Live TV and On Demand entertainment. Enjoy local news, sports, events, and shows as they air. Your favorite TV series and movies can be accessed anywhere, anytime.

PlayStation Communities

Description: Communities are places where you can find players on PlayStation Network who have similar interests and preferences. Join Communities and talk about your shared interests with other members, or find players to game with you.

1600

Description: The White House’s “1600″ is a new way for kids and playful Americans of all ages to learn about what happens at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. All you need to do is tap “Start” and point your camera at George Washington (on the one dollar bill).

Hypocam

Description: Hypocam is the ultimate App for black and white photography. Be in control of your shoot with our live-view controls and feel the quality of black and white photography, capturing the essence.

Google has announced a new update for Chrome for Android. This update adds several improvements, but the most notable is the new ability to download content for offline viewing. This content can include music, videos, and even full web pages, allowing users to quickly save content that they find and then freely view [...]]]>

Google has announced a new update for Chrome for Android. This update adds several improvements, but the most notable is the new ability to download content for offline viewing. This content can include music, videos, and even full web pages, allowing users to quickly save content that they find and then freely view it at another time. In particular, this might be useful for those who frequently fly, allowing the ability to easily download articles through Chrome before takeoff.

Additionally, the ability to view and share downloads has been improved and Chrome will now highlight misspelled words in text fields. Google has also worked to improve the contextual search UI, making it easier and faster than ever. As always, the update comes with bug fixes and performance boosts to create a better overall experience.

T-Mobile today announced that is beginning a limited beta of a program called Digits, which allows customers to use one number across multiple connected devices. This roster of devices includes phones, tablets, wearables and personal computers, though T-Mobile says that Digits will work on most Internet-connected devices. Customers can call, text, and access voicemail [...]]]>

T-Mobile today announced that is beginning a limited beta of a program called Digits, which allows customers to use one number across multiple connected devices. This roster of devices includes phones, tablets, wearables and personal computers, though T-Mobile says that Digits will work on most Internet-connected devices. Customers can call, text, and access voicemail and call history on any device.

Additionally, Digits adds the ability to store multiple numbers on a single device. A major boon for business customers, Digits eliminates the need to carry two devices for a work and personal number.

Digits functions by eliminating the traditional system of pairing a single number with a SIM card. With Digits, the number is paired to the customer’s account rather than the SIM card. By linking customers with numbers rather than linking SIM cards with numbers, Digits allows the number to work on any device that the customer is signed in to. It also allows customers to sign into a single device with multiple numbers.

T-Mobile has worked with Samsung to natively integrate Digits functionality into the Note 5, Galaxy S6, and later products. T-Mobile has stated that it is working with other hardware manufacturers to implement support for Digits in other devices. For those without native functionality, Digits can be enabled through an app on iOS or Android, and is accessible through a browser on PC and Mac computers.

In this early stage, T-Mobile is testing Digits through a limited beta. Customers can register for the Digits beta online and the T-Mobile support team will assist them in getting started with the program. T-Mobile will collect feedback and use it to prepare for a commercial launch in early 2017.